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The other day I met someone who recently had her bike stolen. Not long into the conversation she said, "and of course it's MY fault." Evidently she had been given advice on what she could have done better to prevent such a theft.

Many people are inclined to offer advice on strong U-locks and other ways of making wheels and components theft-deterrent upon meeting someone who's had his/her bike stolen. While these remarks are well-intentioned, victims of a recent theft tend to see themselves as, well, "victims." And rightfully so. They may be seeking comfort and sympathy more than they are seeking advice. If you spoke to someone who was mugged on the street, you wouldn't bombard them with questions about which route they took and what time of day it was. If such questions are asked, they should be asked very delicately, and only after consoling the victim first. The same is true of bike theft.

What do you feel is the best way to respond to a stranger or mild acquaintance who recently had a bike stolen?

I always feel bad for people when I hear a bike is stolen, but after appropriate condolences I always ask about how it was stolen and how it was locked. It's helpful to know what measures thieves are taking in any particular area. I would ask the same questions if someone's car was stolen or home was broken into.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeraldF

If you spoke to someone who was mugged on the street, you wouldn't bombard them with questions about which route they took and what time of day it was. If such questions are asked, they should be asked very delicately, and only after consoling the victim first. The same is true of bike theft.

With that said, being a victim of a physical attack is not remotely the same as being a victim of property theft.

Wish we had that facility on buses/trams to get our bikes around sometimes. Then I wouldnt have to get so wet cycling home 5 miles from the train station!

But to get back on topic I would seriously sympathise with someone who got their bike stolen, give a hug maybe?

How it got stolen is important as well but its a horrible feeling seeing an empty space where a bike should be and saying bike thieves are the lowest of the low and we should flog them when we catch them may help the victim maybe feel a bit better.

Then maybe a practical look at how to get the bike back would be good too.

A lot of people rely on their bicycles to get to and from work, do errands, etc. A bicycle, no matter what the original cost was, becomes over time an extension of the body, part of the soul of the cyclist. There is a strong emotional attachment for these cyclists; it hurts when that is stolen by some punk tweaker who is pawning it for pennies on the dollar for his next hot shot of heroin.

I sympathize with those who have came back to the rack to find their faithful steed missing.